Yes, I know, we are well over a week into April and I'm just now getting to posting about my March faves. As you may or may not know I just got back from spring break and I used said break as a break therefore I did not write anything. So here we are. Onwards and upwards to my favorite things for March:
1. The Hate U Give
Yes, I just read this book now. And, yes, it was as amazing as all the reviews say it is. I am now a firm believer that this book is a must read for every single person. It is captivating. It is haunting. And most importantly, it is real. It talks follows the story of a young girl, Starr, who witnesses a friend shot to death by a police officer while unarmed. It is, unfortunately, an all to real story in America and this leads me to believe that every single person (even you Grandma) should read this book.
2. Broken Harts
And we are back with yet another true crime podcast! I discovered this podcast and was immediately captivated. This case--the Hart family, in which two white moms and four black children are found dead at the bottom of a cliff in their car and two are missing--is close to home. More literally than figuratively. The Hart family lived in Alexandria, Minnesota for some time (where there was abuse allegations and charges, I believe) which, if you know me, is in the great state I live in. This podcast delves into how the Hart family managed to live perfect lives on social media while simultaneously living lives that led to one of the moms driving off the side of a cliff with her children in the car.
3. Outdaughtered
Over spring break my friends and I spent a lot of time watching TLC and HGTV because we spent a lot of time in the sun and were tired when 8 pm came around. Thus, we spent about three hours every night watching various TLC and HGTV shows and out of the lot we watched Outdaughtered was my favorite. I hadn't watched it much before and was immediately drawn to this family trying to figure out how to live and thrive while making the transition from a family of three to a family of eight. The parents had tried to have a second child for a long while until they were finally successful. But they found out they were pregnant with five daughters--something very uncommon. I appreciate the show because it feels more real than other reality shows, but is still entertaining.
4. Abby Asselin
Abby is a "lesser-known" YouTuber, but she is one of my absolute favorites. We are the same year in college (at two complete opposite schools in different states) which makes her uber-relatable to me and my life. She documents the hard work she puts in to get the grades she wants which makes me appreciate her being honest about the work college requires rather than making it look easy (it's not). And her vlogs--although very "normal" compared to others on YouTube--are so fun to watch because her life is not unattainable. I know that doesn't necessarily sound like praise, but it is so so refreshing to watch vlogs that don't flaunt wealth and travel and expensive lifestyles every other frame. 160000/10 would recommend if you're into lifestyle videos and content!
5. Nonogram Game
If you've read any of my other monthly favorites lists, you know that I like a good game for my phone. And I definitely cycle through games pretty quickly. But I've been playing Nanogram for a few weeks now (a record) and I'm obssessed. Essentially, it's a puzzle that requires you to fill in boxes based on a set of numbers given. That is quite possibly the worst description I could give this game and it makes it sound low-key boring, but I promise it's a good time and y'all should check it out.
6. Aloe Bud App
I am a sucker for (a) a good app and (b) self care and mental health resources and Aloe Bud truly fits the bill. Every day it sends you reminders to do different self care activities throughout the day to make sure you engage in them regularly (and hopefully make them a habit). It is (mostly) free and easy to use. Oh, and it's aesthetically pleasing, which is definitely a plus. If you're looking for a little mental health boost, this is the app for you.
7. Old Navy Leggings
Yeah, these lists have a theme. Apps, books, podcasts, and leggings. I am always looking for good-quality leggings that aren't see-through. And Old Navy fits the bill. They are inexpensive, cute, and comfortable. It really doesn't get much better than that, right?
8. Desi's Airbnb in Panama City Beach, Florida
I'm going to write a more in-depth post about my spring break adventures in Panama City Beach, but the biggest part I loved was the Airbnb my two friends and I stayed in. It was (a) affordable as heck for three college students, (b) absolutely gorgeous, and (c) super close to the beach. If anyone is taking a trip to PCB anytime in the near future, you need to book with Desi. It comes with a beach umbrella, beach chairs, beach towels, sunscreen, aloe, and every kitchen supply under the sun. I was so happy with my first "adult" vacation rental/stay and it definitely didn't help my travel bug.
9. Body Armor
My college's cafeteria just recently added these to their drink lineup and I am in love. They are sports drinks made with coconut water and taste absolutely delicious. The flavors range from Berry Punch to Blueberry Pomegranate. And I have not tasted a bad flavor yet. They are healthier (or at least feel healthier) than the Gatorade and Powerade options and are definitely worth a try.
10. You Belong in a Love Song by Jayna Davis
This song is sung by a fellow Gustie and is beyond amazing. I am a true sucker for light and airy love songs and this is truly a light and airy love song (that is a very very good thing). Jayna's vocals are amazing and the lyrics are just as great. She deserves all the listens and support!
